Luke Roberts was always a hands-on person. The father of four runs his own renovation and contracting company but has previous experience as a teacher, an aircraft maintenance engineer and a pilot. Having experienced his son being airlifted by Ornge in 2017, Roberts was always cautious about safety. What the Roberts and his family did not expect was that Ornge would be answering a call for them again.  
 
On July 6, 2020, Luke Roberts was working 23 ft up on scaffolding while doing renovations at a customer's house. Roberts went up the scaffolding briefly without his safety harness when suddenly the cross brace snapped in half, and Roberts fell. A member of Robert’s crew and the homeowner found Roberts and called 911.  
 
“I must’ve blacked out or went unconscious quickly when I started to fall or when everything started to collapse. Then I woke up and was in complete agony in my back,” said Roberts. “I can’t even describe the pain. It was a 10 out of 10 pain that’s for sure. It was brutal.” 
 
Roberts was rushed to the hospital in Owen Sound where surgeons gave Roberts a grime diagnosis of emergency spinal surgery and the potential of never walking again. It was then an interfacility transfer was requested, and Ornge answered the call.  
 
With coordination from Ornge’s Operations Communications Centre and the local London Central Ambulance Communications Centre, Roberts was successfully transported to Victoria Hospital in London via helicopter.
 
“As soon as they got me into an ambulance and took it to the Owen Sound airport, another Ornge helicopter was there,” said Roberts. “There was a lot of movement with a spinal injury, and they were so professional and gentle about it, I didn’t get any injuries from that. They were so good about looking after me and good at communicating.” 
 
Once at Victoria Hospital, Roberts was diagnosed and treated for an L4 burst fractured vertebrae, a broken L2, a fractured sternum, a broken right hand and wrist, a severe concussion, and chronic whiplash. 
 
“Owen Sound said I needed emergency spine surgery. It was devastating hearing the news,” said Roberts. “My wife already thought about building a ramp into the house.”  
 
Roberts credits being internally motivated and utilizing his connection to God in his road to recovery. Luckly, Roberts did not require spinal surgery and only underwent reconstruction surgery for his right hand and wrist. 
 
“I had to be strong for myself. I couldn’t just sit there and wait for someone to look after me, I had to truly be strong in those moments,” said Roberts. “I really want to thank God that helped me through that time. He really helped me through my mindset and gave me a lot of wisdom, understanding and strength.” 
 
Recovery was long, and there were moments when even sitting or standing made Roberts almost faint. Today Roberts can walk and has regained some mobility back in his right arm and hand.  
 
“A lot of people say if they didn’t know I had an accident they would never have known I had an accident,” said Roberts. “I have to keep my back straight and can’t lift as much, but I can still work. I don’t let that limitation stop me.” 
 
Looking back, Roberts is thankful for the care provided by the medical staff and for the professionalism of the responding Ornge teams that day.  
 
“I was very well looked after by the entire staff and felt so safe that I fell asleep on the ride,” said Roberts. “I can't thank them enough for all their support, care, empathy, humour and exceptional professionalism.”  
 
Ornge pilots, paramedics and OCC staff are ready to serve with compassion and professionalism. We appreciate the fantastic teamwork of pilots Darin Higgon and Massimo Zancolo, paramedics Keith Mulvihill and Brent Poppleton, and the Operations Control Centre team for their excellent coordination in facilitating the Robert’s transports.  
 
Roberts expresses his thanks and appreciation to Ornge.  
 
“We’re so blessed to have all the teams at Ornge. We need to have Ornge to be there for every citizen here in Ontario because there are so many emergencies that are unexpected.” said Roberts. “Thank you so much for looking after me and our youngest son! It will always be remembered.” 
 
To read about Luke Robert’s son Jason and his story with Ornge, click here.

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